SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings return to a circus Thursday night on their home court after splitting a two-game set in OKC and Dallas. With the arena fully decked out for Bollywood night, long time nemesis Kobe Bryant comes to town for the last time before turning in his sneakers at season’s end.
The Lakers come in on a bit of a hot streak having won three of their last four. They are a young team that likes to run, but at just 8-28, this is another must win for Kings who are just 9-9 on their home floor this season.
[HAM: Kings fans secretly happy to see Kobe retire]
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LINE
Kings by 8.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Roy Hibbert -- There was a time when Hibbert was a feared post defender, but somewhere along the way, he lost the gusto that made him a two-time All-Star. Cousins is rolling right now, averaging 33.3 points and 15 rebounds a game in the month of January. If Cousins gets loose, this game will spin out of control quickly for the Lakers.
NBA
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 14-21, third place in Pacific
Lakers: 8-28, last place in Pacific
INJURY REPORT
Kings: PG Rajon Rondo (lower back spasms) probable, G Ben McLemore (middle back spasm) probable, F Omri Casspi (upper back soreness) out, Willie Cauley-Stein (right middle finger laceration) out, F Eric Moreland (foot) out, F Duje Dukan (lower leg) out.
Lakers: G Kobe Bryant (sore right shoulder) expected to start, G D'Angelo Russell (illness) expected to start.
SERIES HISTORY
The Kings beat the Lakers 132-114 in the second game of the season to take a 1-0 advantage in the season series. Historically, the Lakers have owned the Kings, holding a 268-148 all-time head-to-head lead and 90-39 advantage during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“I think every arena that we’ve gone to for his last game is going to be special to him. And I think this is probably a little more special because of the rivalry they had with the Lakers back in the day. I’m sure that’s one of the biggest reasons he wanted to play tonight and it’s something he probably has some fond memories of - some of those series. Because those were some great series. And to me, it was a true rivalry - both teams didn’t like each other, but they respected each other. I think it’ll be fun for him to come in tonight to come in here tonight. This fanbase here in Sac is unbelievable. I think they’ll show their appreciation for one of the greatest players of all-time.” -- Byron Scott on Kobe Bryant’s final game in Sacramento